Jane Wilson (Stevens) Harvey

AUGUSTA – Jane Wilson (Stevens) Harvey died Dec. 21, 2022, in Augusta, Maine, after a long illness. She was 90 years old.

She was born in Astoria, Queens, New York, on Jan. 23, 1932, the daughter of David Harvey Stevens and Dora Mae (Wilson) Stevens.

Jane graduated from Cony High School in Augusta in 1950. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1954. While there, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and the Omicron Nu Honorary Society. She later earned a master’s degree in Education (Early Childhood Development) from the University of New Hampshire.

Jane was a firm believer in the value of education.

She devoted her career to children, specializing in early childhood education. She was an elementary school teacher in the Augusta School Department, accepting the position of early childhood instructor at the Capital Area Technical Center, where she developed and ran the Early Childhood program from 1973–1984. She was hired as a family educator working for the University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension in Androscoggin and Sagadahoc Counties and became its statewide childcare coordinator in 1987. She served in that position until she retired in 1992.

Jane was a selfless public servant throughout her life. Her service included Governor Baldacci’s Transportation Information Advisory Council and Governor Angus King’s Elder Advisory Committee. She was a Covenant Member of Old South Congregational Church, president of the Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation and historian of the Augusta Nature Club. She was the founding board member of the Maine Coalition for Safe Kids, a Trustee of the Pine Tree Burn Foundation, and president of Row House, Inc.

She also served on the Augusta Science and Nature Camp, University of Maine Reunion planning committee, Women’s Legislative Council, Hallowell Parent-Teacher Organizations, Hallowell Waterfront Advisory Committee, and Hallowell Conservation Commission.

She earned a nomination for the 1991 Presidential Public Service Award and culminated a lifetime of service with honors as Hallowell’s Outstanding Citizen in 2004.

Jane remained devoted to her alma mater, serving on the board of the University of Maine at Augusta Senior College, the University of Maine’s General Alumni Association, and President of the Kennebec Valley Alumni Chapter. As a result, she earned the University of Maine Alumni Association’s prestigious “Block M” Award in 1994 and established a legacy gift during 37 years of financial support for the institution.

In addition to her family and early childhood development, Jane’s other passion was gardening. A certified master gardener, she served as President of the Kennebec Valley Garden Club and legislative chair, lifetime member, and board member of the Garden Club Federation of Maine. Her beautiful gardens were featured on the annual Kennebec Valley Garden Tour many times over the years.

Jane married Harmon David Harvey on March 7, 1959. They were married 63 years and raised six children. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Joan (Stevens) Paulin, and her beloved husband Harmon, who predeceased her by 27 days. Her children and their partners are: Martha and Robert Harveywebster of Gardiner, Maine; Steven Harvey and Valerie Andreasen of Newcastle, Maine; Michael and Mary Ellen Harvey of Deerfield, NH; Merry-Jane and Stephen Wolborsky of Talofofo, Guam; Rebecca Harvey and Catherine Palmer of Augusta, Maine; and Kathryn and Dana Crocker of Mechanic Falls, Maine. Jane also leaves behind six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jane’s Memorial Service will be held at Old South Congregational Church, 135 2nd Street, Hallowell, Maine at 1 p.m., Thursday, December 29. A reception following the service will be held at the Cohen Center, 22 Town Farm Road, about a five-minute drive from the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable gift in Jane Harvey’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 383 US Rte. One, #3C, Scarborough, Maine 04074, or at alz.org.